Booking a flight can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, but with Southwest Airlines, it's designed to be as straightforward and transparent as possible. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by hidden fees or complicated booking processes, you're in the right place! Let's get you flying with Southwest, step-by-step.
Your Ultimate Guide to Booking a Flight with Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is renowned for its unique policies like two free checked bags (though this can vary based on fare type and A-List status for bookings made after May 28, 2025!), no change fees (you just pay the fare difference), and open seating. These perks make it a favorite for many travelers. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth booking experience.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Soar? Planning Your Trip
Before you even open the Southwest website, let's get organized! This initial planning saves you time and ensures you find the best options.
1.1: Determine Your Destination and Dates
Where are you going? Decide on your origin and destination cities. Southwest flies to over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
When do you want to travel? Be as flexible as possible with your dates. Southwest's Low Fare Calendar (we'll get to this!) can help you find the cheapest days to fly. Consider flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, as these are often less expensive.
Is it a one-way or round-trip? Decide on your itinerary type. Southwest also offers multi-city options.
1.2: Who's Traveling?
Number of Passengers: How many adults, children, and infants will be traveling?
Special Needs: Do you require assistance (e.g., wheelchair, oxygen, emotional support animal, or a "Customer of Size" needing an extra seat)? It's best to note these before you start searching.
1.3: Consider Your Budget
Set a Price Range: Having a general idea of what you're willing to spend will help you filter results and make quick decisions. Southwest offers different fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) with varying benefits and price points. Basic fares, introduced recently, have more restrictions but are typically the lowest price.
Step 2: Let's Get Digital! Navigating the Southwest Website
The Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) is your primary tool for booking. It's user-friendly and designed for a seamless experience.
2.1: Head to Southwest.com
Open your web browser and go to
www.Southwest.com
2.2: Enter Your Travel Details
Flight Type: Select "Round Trip," "One Way," or "Multi-City."
Origin: Start typing your departure city or airport name, and a dropdown list will appear for you to select from.
Destination: Do the same for your arrival city or airport.
Dates: Click on the departure and return date fields. A calendar will pop up.
Pro Tip: If you're flexible with dates, click the "Low Fare Calendar" link next to the date fields. This displays a month-by-month view of the lowest fares, which can be incredibly helpful for budget travelers.
Number of Passengers: Use the dropdowns to specify the number of adults, children (2-11), and infants (under 2).
2.3: Searching for Flights
Once all details are entered, click the "Search" button.
Step 3: Unveiling Your Options! Reviewing Flight Results
Southwest will present you with a list of available flights that match your criteria. This is where you compare options and choose what works best for you.
3.1: Understanding the Results Page
Fares Displayed: You'll see different columns representing the various fare types: Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Each fare type has distinct benefits regarding refunds, points earning, and checked baggage.
Flight Times: Observe the departure and arrival times for each flight.
Number of Stops: Southwest is known for its direct flights, but you might see options with one stop (though often without a plane change).
Points vs. Dollars: You can toggle between viewing fares in dollars or Rapid Rewards points. If you're a Rapid Rewards member and have points, this is a great way to see how far they can take you.
3.2: Selecting Your Flights
Outbound Flight: Click on the fare (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, etc.) for your desired outbound flight. The selected fare will be highlighted.
Return Flight: If you selected "Round Trip," you'll then need to select your return flight in the same manner.
Review Your Selection: Before proceeding, double-check your chosen flights, including dates, times, and fare types, to ensure they meet your needs.
Step 4: Sealing the Deal! Passenger Information and Payment
Once you've chosen your flights, it's time to provide passenger details and complete the purchase.
4.1: Enter Passenger Information
Full Name: Enter the exact first, middle (optional), and last name of each passenger as it appears on their government-issued ID.
Date of Birth: Provide the date of birth for each traveler.
Gender: Select the gender.
Contact Information: Enter your primary email address and phone number. This is crucial for receiving confirmations and flight updates.
Rapid Rewards Number: If you or any other passenger is a Rapid Rewards member, enter their number to earn points on the booking.
Known Traveler Number (KTN) / Redress Number: If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, enter your KTN here. This can significantly speed up your security process at the airport.
4.2: Review Summary and Add-ons
Review Trip Summary: Carefully review all flight details, passenger information, and the total cost.
Optional Add-ons: This is where you can purchase:
EarlyBird Check-In: This automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you a better boarding position (and thus, a better seat choice since Southwest has open seating). Highly recommended if you want to board early without setting an alarm!
Upgraded Boarding: Sometimes available at check-in or the gate, this can get you an A1-A15 boarding position.
Travel Insurance: Consider if you need travel insurance for your trip.
4.3: Payment
Payment Methods: Southwest accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), Southwest LUV Vouchers, and gift cards. You can also redeem Rapid Rewards points here.
Enter Payment Details: Input your credit card information or voucher/gift card details.
Billing Address: Ensure your billing address matches the one associated with your payment method.
Confirm Purchase: Read and agree to the terms and conditions, then click "Purchase" or "Complete Booking."
Step 5: You're All Set! Confirmation and Post-Booking
Congratulations! You've successfully booked your Southwest flight. What next?
5.1: Confirmation Email
You will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking. This email will contain your confirmation number, itinerary details, and important links. Save this email!
5.2: Manage Your Reservation
You can always access your reservation on Southwest.com under the "Manage Reservations" section. You'll need your confirmation number and last name.
From here, you can:
Print your itinerary.
Change or cancel your flight (subject to fare rules).
Add a Known Traveler Number.
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (if you didn't at booking).
Check your flight status.
5.3: Prepare for Your Flight
Check-in: Southwest allows you to check in online 24 hours before your flight's departure. This is critical for getting a good boarding position due to Southwest's open seating policy.
Baggage: Review Southwest's baggage policy. Remember, two checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches) are generally free for most fares, but verify for Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about booking with Southwest, with quick answers:
How to check my flight status on Southwest Airlines?
You can check your flight status on Southwest.com by entering your flight number, origin, and destination, or by using your confirmation number under "Flight Status" or "Manage Reservations."
How to change my flight with Southwest Airlines?
Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com, enter your confirmation number, and select the "Change Flight" option. You'll pay any fare difference, but Southwest does not charge change fees (Basic fares have more restrictions and may require an upgrade).
How to cancel my Southwest Airlines flight and get a refund or credit?
Navigate to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com and select "Cancel Flight." Refund eligibility depends on your fare type (Anytime and Business Select are refundable; Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic fares typically result in a flight credit). If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can usually get a refund to your original form of payment.
How to add a Rapid Rewards number to an existing Southwest reservation?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, or go to "Manage Reservations" and enter your confirmation number. You should see an option to add or update your Rapid Rewards number.
How to select a seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number) determines when you board, and you pick any available seat once on the plane.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for a Southwest flight?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the booking process or later via the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest.com, usually up to 36 hours before your flight.
How to know Southwest Airlines' baggage policy?
Southwest generally allows two free checked bags per passenger (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches) for most fare types. You can find detailed information on their "Bags" section of the website. Note: Checked bag fees will apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, while Business Select and A-List/A-List Preferred members may still receive free checked bags.
How to book a flight for an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines?
Unaccompanied Minors (ages 5-11) can be booked online or by calling Southwest. They must be on nonstop or direct flights (no plane changes) and an Unaccompanied Minor service charge applies. Specific pick-up and drop-off procedures are in place.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an approved carrier in the cabin on domestic flights, for a fee. Space is limited (typically six pets per flight), so it's recommended to call Southwest to reserve a spot for your pet in advance.
How to find the lowest fares on Southwest Airlines?
Utilize the "Low Fare Calendar" on Southwest.com when searching for flights. Being flexible with your travel dates, especially flying on off-peak days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays), can help you secure the best deals.
